Head of CPS security resigns to rejoin Chicago police

The security director at Chicago Public Schools has resigned to return to the Chicago Police Department, officials with CPS and police said tonight.

Michael Shields joined the school district as director of security in 2009. His annual salary was $150,000, according to CPS.

His last day with CPS was Friday, said CPS spokeswoman Becky Carroll.

Shields was formerly a deputy superintendent with the Police Department. He was reported to be a candidate for the Chicago police superintendent’s job earlier this year, before Mayor Rahm Emanuel hired Garry McCarthy for the job.

He is returning to the Police Department as a lieutenant, a department spokesman said.

Shields is a cousin of First Lady Michelle Obama.

Shields oversaw security at CPS and also oversaw the district’s anti-violence initiatives and security policies at individual schools. Other members of the CPS safety and security team will oversee day-to-day operations while administrators search for a replacement for Shields, Carroll said.